Ranked as one of the top graduate tax programs in the U.S. by TaxTalent.com, the Master
of Science in Taxation stresses real-world skills that empower students to be exceptional
tax professionals. Many of the "Big Four" firms hire GGU graduates and send their
employees to GGU to update their tax education. Courses are taught by tax practitioners
and lawyers who are experts in their field — in an environment that promotes the development
of analytic and communication skills. The curriculum spans estate and gift tax; partnerships;
C corporations; LLCs and S corporations; California and multi-state tax; international
tax; retirement plans; tax issues for individuals; and tax research. GGU provides
the option for a self-paced online format or in-person as part of an accelerated MST
cohort format.
Golden Gate University's Master of Science in Taxation (MST) is one of the most prestigious
tax programs in the country, having earned a reputation for providing the most comprehensive
and practical education available. The curriculum stresses real-world content that
prepares students to be knowledgeable tax professionals. Courses cover general and
specialized tax subjects, including: estate and gift tax; partnerships; C corporations;
LLCs and S corporations; California and multi-state tax; international tax; retirement
plans; tax issues for individuals; and tax research.
Students can choose to complete the degree in-person, as part of an Accelerated MST
Day Cohort?, or take courses online at a pace that convenient for them.
The program provides thorough and current knowledge of tax concepts, trends and practices
in an environment that promotes the development of analytic and communication skills.
Take nine units taxation courses (TA prefix) that are not a part of the core course
requirements. Student can select up to three units from the following courses:
Alternatively, students can select up to three units of coursework from LLM Taxation
or LLM Estate Planning programs.
(Note: All course prerequisites must be satisfied and tuition will be assessed on
the rate applicable to the school or program that offers the course. Students interested
in registering for LLM program course should seek the assistance of their advisor.)
It is highly recommended that students take TA 356 Choice of Entity (3). If eligible,
students may take TA 398 Internship: Taxation (3-6).
Up to 6 units of course credit may be obtained through internship experience. Eligibility
is determined by the Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation.
Please see Internship Eligibility for more information.
Students transferring credit from accredited law schools, colleges, and universities
may be granted as many as 6 units of credit toward the Master of Science in Taxation
requirements for graduate tax courses successfully completed at those institutions.
Cohort? (full-time) students earning this degree will attend many frequent workshops focusing
on career search techniques, including resume writing and interview coaching. Multiple
career options are presented by tax and accounting firms and industry leaders. Networking
events and interactive sessions with accounting and tax professionals at all levels
— from first year staff members to managing partners — are convened exclusively for
cohort students. Technical panels and hands-on training sessions allow cohort students
to immediately leverage their classroom knowledge so they are able to use what they
have learned in real-life practice situations during their internship or employment
position.
NON-COHORT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All applicants should have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
with at least a 3.00 grade-point average (GPA). Individuals with an undergraduate
GPA below 3.00 are welcome to apply and will be considered for admission based on
employment history, professional accomplishments, recommendations, etc. Certificate
and open enrollment students must meet the same standards and prerequisites that apply
to degree candidates.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Taxation program will:
Demonstrate the ability to identify tax issues, determine the applicable relevant
primary authority, analyze relevant primary authority and apply the authorities to
reach well-reasoned oral or written conclusions.
Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of IRS practice and procedure and be
able to represent a client in a tax controversy.
Demonstrate knowledge of the ethics and standards of professional responsibilities
applicable to tax practitioners.
I started my education at GGU in the evenings, walking the short distance from KPMG’s
office to campus. I quickly realized that the classroom experience was like none I
had ever had. The courses were led by faculty with substantial academic and real-world
experience.
Eric Lee MS Taxation 97 Taxation Alumni and Lecturer and Director of Academic Quality & Training, Golden Gate
University
